Published: 21 February 2026Rajasthan Government / News on AirRajasthan
Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur Inaugurates Second Lion Safari in Rajasthan with Asiatic Lions 'Samrat' and 'Sunaina'
On February 16, 2026, the second Lion Safari of Rajasthan was inaugurated at Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur. The main attraction is an Asiatic lion pair — a male named 'Samrat' and a female named 'Sunaina' — brought from Gujarat, the only state where Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) survive in the wild at Gir National Park.
The safari adds a significant ecotourism dimension to Udaipur — already Rajasthan's most visited heritage destination — and reinforces conservation education for visitors. Rajasthan's first lion safari had been set up at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur. Sajjangarh Biological Park is located at the Sajjangarh (Monsoon) Palace hilltop in Udaipur.
Asiatic lions are classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 700 individuals surviving in the world — all restricted to the Gir landscape of Gujarat. The Cheetah Reintroduction Programme at Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) has renewed national interest in large carnivore conservation in India. Rajasthan, with its extensive wildlife reserves including Ranthambore, Sariska, and Kumbhalgarh, remains central to India's wildlife tourism and carnivore conservation narrative.
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Q: Discuss Rajasthan's initiatives for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism with reference to the inauguration of the second Lion Safari at Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur on 16 February 2026 featuring Asiatic lions from Gir.
Answer (50 words):
On 16 February 2026, Rajasthan's second Lion Safari was inaugurated at Sajjangarh Biological Park, Udaipur, featuring Asiatic lion pair 'Samrat' and 'Sunaina' brought from Gujarat's Gir, the sole surviving Asiatic lion habitat. Listed Endangered on the IUCN Red List with fewer than 700 individuals, the initiative boosts eco-tourism.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Sajjangarh Biological Park located and what is its significance in Rajasthan's wildlife network?
Sajjangarh Biological Park is located near Udaipur, Rajasthan, at the base of the Aravalli hills. It is significant as it houses a diverse range of wildlife including leopards, crocodiles, and deer, and now hosts Rajasthan's second Lion Safari. It forms part of the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary and is a key attraction on Rajasthan's eco-tourism circuit.
What is the IUCN conservation status of the Asiatic lion and why is it different from the African lion?
The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a wild population of approximately 674 individuals confined exclusively to the Gir National Park and surrounding areas of Gujarat. The African lion (Panthera leo) is classified as Vulnerable. The Asiatic lion is smaller, has a thinner mane, a distinctive belly fold, and a split at the end of the tail — features that differentiate it from its African cousin.
Why is Gir National Park in Gujarat ecologically significant for Asiatic lion conservation?
Gir National Park in Saurashtra, Gujarat is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions remaining in the world. Once ranging across West Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, the species was pushed to near-extinction by hunting and habitat loss. Gir's protected status and active conservation programs have helped grow the population from about 20 lions in 1900 to over 674 today, making it a globally celebrated conservation success story.
What is the difference between Rajasthan's first and second lion safaris — Nahargarh and Sajjangarh?
Rajasthan's first Lion Safari is at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur, which also houses Bengal tigers and other wildlife within the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the Aravalli hills. The second Lion Safari, inaugurated on February 16, 2026, is at Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur, featuring the Asiatic lion pair 'Samrat' and 'Sunaina' from Gujarat. While Nahargarh is near the state capital, Sajjangarh's location in Udaipur adds it to the heritage tourism circuit of southern Rajasthan.
How do biological parks and zoological gardens support in-situ and ex-situ wildlife conservation?
In-situ conservation protects species in their natural habitat (like Gir National Park for Asiatic lions), while ex-situ conservation maintains species outside their natural habitat in controlled environments such as biological parks and zoological gardens. Biological parks like Sajjangarh support ex-situ conservation by maintaining breeding populations, conducting research, building public awareness, and serving as insurance populations against extinction — complementing in-situ efforts.
